The day will consist of panel discussions, performances and workshops to celebrate the end of the year-long initiative, This is My City, which provided art-making opportunities to members of the homeless community.

In January 2009, members of the homeless community were given the opportunity to work with artist mentors to develop their creative voices for expression, and to encourage public advocacy and dialogue. The multidisciplinary program included poetry, performance, personal narrative, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and video production.

The event will showcase the shared experiences of the This is My City artist-mentor team and the homeless art-makers and include a brainstorming session with community partners on using the arts to engage diverse communities.

This is My City does not pretend to be a solution to the homeless crisis - rather, the project is intended to enable the homeless to speak on their own behalf. This forum is part of the High Performance Rodeo.

The event takes place Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, at the Glenbow Museum, Conoco Phillips Theatre. The Symposium will take place from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm. Art Matters will take place from 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Both events are free. RSVP is requested. Please call Jody Williams at 403-268-4545 to reserve your seat. For more information visit Calgary.ca or High Performance Rodeo.